combatting jetlag??

11.
Posted byiloveflyin(Full Member 159 posts) 14y
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To Leah,I think you got the right def. for jetlag. But, when people talked about jetlag to me, they often talked about the effect of time change AND fatigue due to time change and sitting too long on a long flight. I often travel for a very short time, even on long trip, that is why I seldom feel jetlag, just a little tired. Think about me leaving Dallas, Texas on friday at 5pm for a flight to London, Gatwick. I get there around 7 in the morning Saturday, after about 10 hour eat and sleep on the plane. I visit the London for a couple hours and get back to Heathrow airport for a 2:20pm flight to Tokyo. Get in Tokyo at 9 am Sunday, after about say, 10 hours eat and sleep again on the plane. Visit Tokyo for 5 or 6 hours, and get back to the airport, catch a flight leaving at 6:10pm for Dallas, Texas. Get in Dallas at 3:30pm on Sunday still. I don't think I'll get jetlag on such a short-time long trip.I wonder if one traveled to Alaska around June and experience the midnight sun, if he or she would experience jetlag, after staying for a few days in which you don't have nighttime!

12.
Posted byleahrb(Full Member 209 posts) 14y
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allright!!

iloveflyin, you win!!!

you are one of the lucky few who don't get jetlag!! at least you take advantage of your rare skill!! But perhaps you could not brag about it?!? Because most of the rest of the world does suffer from jet lag!

So if anyone else has suggestions for how they combat jet lag those of us who do suffer from it would love to hear what it is!!

13.
Posted byTazza(Full Member 57 posts) 14y
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Vitamins and gurana are a great combination!! Especially when mixed with beer...

14.
Posted bybluewaav(Inactive 627 posts) 14y
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Hey LIL,

I cannot sleep anywhere but on a flat, firm matress in a dark, quiet room. I don't sleep on planes, and I don't sleep on trains or cars or buses or anything. I only sleep in my nice warm bed at home (wherever that may be). That said, I don't even try to sleep on the plane. I go to bed early the night before so that I can get as much sleep as possible. Then I stay up all night watching the movies and reading a book, journalling, stretching, taking walks, etc. I sleep whenever the sun sets in my destination.

That said, I have heard it helps to start taking vitamins (a good multi and/or vit C) the day before or a few days before you fly. Echanacea (sp) works wonders, too, especially if you are like me and tend to get a cold every time you fly international. Also, drink lots of water. And if you want to sleep don't drink caffeine or alcohol the day or night before, as well as on the flight. If you want something warm with your breakfast, ask for herbal tea, or better yet, bring your own.

Pack your face wash/soap, moisturizer, some make-up, comb, eye drops, deoderant with you in your carry-on so that you can freshen up the next morning. Even pack some sanitary wipes, or hand sanitizer if you want, though usually airlines supply wet naps. Wear comfortable clothes on the flight so that you can sleep or at least be comfortable. You don't have to get dolled up anymore like back in the day. Just some khakis and a light sweater over a t-shirt or blouse is fine. Wear socks so you can take your shoes off in-flight.

But the ABSOLUTE BEST advice that I have for you to compat jet lag is to go to sleep when the locals go to sleep and wake up when they wake up. Of course this is once you get there. The reason this is so effective is because your body clock works with sunlight. You feel awake when you enter the sunlight and when the sun goes down you get sleepy. It is a proven theory. (except for superhumans like iloveflyin ) You must resist the urge to nap for this to work. During the day, of course, you need to get as much sunlight as you can, so your body can recognise the different time zone and adjust. I have done it myself and can attest to its practicality.

As far as not getting sick once you are there, it has already been stated for the most part. Bring a good multi-vitamin to suppliment your diet because if you are like me your diet tends to lack when you travel. Bring some immodium if you have a sensitive stomach (or even if you don't- you never know how you will react to local food). And above all, eat LOTS of fruit and veggies to get the nutrients you need. Protein is also good to eat, because I have found that lacks in my diet also. Eating food high in iron (red meat, spinach, etc.) is good for females, need I say more.

Well, those are my jet lag tips. Have a good healthy trip!

Peace,Steph

15.
Posted bykelster(Full Member 51 posts) 14y
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Hello,

I always suffer jet lag. Only thing I can suggest is to drink plenty of water, & try to eat at your destination time a couple of days before you go. You have to remember that time difference doesn't just affect your sleep.

On the staying well front, when you're eating all your fruit, make sure YOU wash it in bottled water. It depends where you're travelling but if you're somewhere where the water is not safe to drink then chances are any salad or fruit has been washed in the same unsafe water

16.
Posted byLlL(Budding Member 11 posts) 13y
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Hi guys,Thanks for all your comments! Hmmm... I think I may take something to help me sleep on the plane and for the first couple of nights I am there. What would you recommend (legally and non alcoholic!) that would help, e.g. anti-histamines, paracetamol etc? Cheers.

17.
Posted byleahrb(Full Member 209 posts) 13y
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Tylenol PM usually helps me fall asleep without making me feel groggy when I wake up and it's perfectly legal

Good Luck!

18.
Posted bybrigiboo(Full Member 22 posts) 13y
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don't drink coffee at the airport (duh) and if you arrive at your destination during the day, keep yourself busy touring around the local area (no naps!!!) until nighttime,THEN hit the sack and you'll have no problems getting to sleep and into routine.

19.
Posted bykelster(Full Member 51 posts) 13y
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Melatonin is supposed to be good. It is a tablet that produces the natural chemicals in your body that it would when you want sleep. It is supposed to restore your sleep pattern. Not sure how it works exactly but it's natural. Also (I'm not really much help) but I don't know where you can get it from. It's available in the USA but I think you may have to go the doctor for it in England (not sure about the rest of the world).

20.
Posted bybluewaav(Inactive 627 posts) 13y
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If you have a cold, Nyquil (not sure what the generic name for it is) works well to make you drowsy. It is cold medicine which makes you drowsy, so if there is a brand that does the same where you live, it might do the trick. Obviously, only take this if you have a cold, though.